counterfoil

American  

[koun-ter-foil] / ˈkaʊn tərˌfɔɪl /

noun

Chiefly British.

1. a part of a bank check, money order, etc., that is kept by the issuer and on which a record of the transaction is made; stub.

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counterfoil British  

/ ˈkaʊntəˌfɔɪl /

noun

1. Also called (esp US and Canadian): stub.  the part of a cheque, postal order, receipt, etc, detached and retained as a record of the transaction

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Etymology

Origin of counterfoil

First recorded in 1700–10; counter- + foil ²

Example Sentences

Ford's composure and experience could be an ideal counterfoil to the more extravagant 10s under consideration.

From BBC • May 5, 2025

The Stones came away with a patina of aristocratic decadence that served as a perfect counterfoil to the raw roots blues of their music.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2017

Horrid Henry's Nightmareby Francesca Simon Tell us what you think: Star-rate and review this book Perfect Peter was the counterfoil, the part of us that tries to be good.

From The Guardian • Jun. 17, 2013

Although Gandhi once may have been flirting with the Japanese, either out of unworldly wisdom or as a counterfoil to the British, the final draft of the "Quit India" resolution was pro-Ally.

From Time Magazine Archive

Then, taking plenty of time, he filled in the counterfoil.

From "Boy: Tales of a Childhood" by Roald Dahl

Related Words

• certificate
• voucher